RESUMO
Introduction:It is generally believed that Cyperus esculentus(tiger nut) has some fertility boosting effects. However, scientific validation of some of the fertility boosting potentials as well as the ameliorative effect of tiger nut on Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is lacking. Objective:The aim of the project is to determine the effect of tiger nuts in reproductive function in rats induced with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).Methods:A total of sixty (60) male rats weighing between 160 –200g were used in this study. They were divided into six groups of ten rats per group. Benign prostate hyperplasia was induced in three groups of the rats (as stated in methodology) with 30mg/kg sub-cutaneous injections of hormones containing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol valerate dissolved in olive oil in the ratio of 10:1 (three times in a week, one day interval). Administration of tiger nut meal commenced immediately and lasted for two months. At the end of administration, assay of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH and Testosterone) was done. Comprehensive semenanalysis was also done including (count, motility & morphology) Results:The study showed that the induction of BPH resulted in a very significant reduction of FSH while the administration of the tiger nut meal did not show any significant effect on FSH(P>0.05). The same trend was also observed on the effect of the tiger nut meal on LH level. For testosterone, it was observed that after the initial decrease as a result of the induction of infertility, 20% tiger nut meal administration significantly increased the testosterone level to 2.10±0.06 ng/ml from 0.30±0.01 ng/ml in the infertility-induced group. The effect of tiger nut meal on semen analyses namely, normal sperm cells and sperm motility showed a significant increase (P<0.05) following the induction of infertility. The effect of the tiger nut meal on sperm morphological toxicities were also examined. Sperm abnormalities like sperm cells with twisted tails were examined.Conclusion:The administration of tiger nut significantly ameliorated the abnormalities and thus, restored the morphology of the sperm cells such that it can enhance fertility
RESUMO
Aim:Several challenges have been hampering theDOTS strategy ranging from a paucity of staff, laboratory consumables and drugs among others. This study, therefore, assessed the challenges facing TB-DOTS implementation in Anambra State, Nigeria.Study Design:A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out.Original Research ArticlePlace and Duration of Study:TB-DOTS accredited facilities in Anambra State, South-East Nigeria, September 2017 -March 2018.Methodology:Using questionnaires on 354 respondents, a checklist on 32 DOTS accredited facilities, and Key In-depthInterview (KII) guide which was administered on 14 focal persons in rural and urban facilities, including the State TBL coordinator, was employed. Data were analysed using Chi-square and Fisher`s exact test with level of significance set at p<0.05, while key themes from KII were thematically analysed.Results: Both urban and rural respondents took nearly the same time to reach a DOTS centre, however, urban respondents spent more money to reach a TB centre and this was statistically significant p≤0.002. Patients stated that the DOTS strategy could be improved by attending to them early, home visiting, having more staff, providing pocket money among others in urban comparedto rural areas and these were statistically significant p≤0.003. Checklist revealed that most patients in rural facilities 16/19(84.2%) compared to urban 11/13(84.6%) were not observed taking their medications while 11/19(57.9%) rural compared to 5/13(38.5%) urban had no functional microscope. Both rural and urban facilities specifically had challenges of Genexpert machines, needed more staff and laboratories as well as adequate funds and retraining.Conclusion:Challenges of DOTS may be myriad, however, Focal persons and Health workers should ensure direct observation of patients while the STBL coordinator informs government and policymakers on the need to employ more workers in TB management to help reduce waiting time. Regulartraining and retraining of health workers are also recommended